Altogether the Signora Pandolfi, christened Maria Luisa, and wife to Marzio the silver-chiseller, was a portly and pompous-looking person, who wore an air of knowing her position, and of being sure to maintain it.

Nevertheless, there was a kindly expression in her fat face, and if her eyes looked sleepy they did not look dishonest.
Signora Pandolfi's companion was her old maid-of-all-work, Assunta, commonly called Suntarella, without whom she rarely stirred abroad--a little old woman, in neat but dingy-coloured garments, with a grey woollen shawl drawn over her head like a cowl, instead of a bonnet.
Marzio finished fastening the door, and then turned round.

On seeing his wife he remained silent for a moment, looking at her with an expression of dissatisfied inquiry.

He had not expected her.
"Well ?" he ejaculated at last.
"It is dinner time," remarked the stout lady.
"Yes, I heard the gun," answered Marzio drily.

"It is the same as if you had told me," he added ironically, as he turned and led the way across the street.
"A pretty answer!" exclaimed Maria Luisa, tossing her large head as she followed her lord and master to the door of their house.